Bakery Les Épis Sauvages

Project: Bakery Les Épis Sauvages
Architect: RESERVOIR A

Momentary association

RESERVOIR A

Programme

At the heart of the former Martinet coal mine, the Épis Sauvages project repurposes a former locomotive shed into an artisan bakery specializing in bread and pastries. The architecture preserves the site’s industrial heritage while seamlessly integrating the rigorous requirements of a modern bakery.

Balancing heritage conservation, innovation, and the transmission of craftsmanship, this bakery is more than just a place of production—it is a space for sharing, deeply rooted in a local and ethical approach, connected to both biodiversity and the historical significance of the site.

About: The Martinet site is a former coal mining complex consisting of two slag heaps and several built structures. After its closure in 1976, the site was left abandoned. In the 2000s, engaged local residents fought for its reconsideration, leading to its remediation, securing, and gradual reinvestment. Nestled in this green setting, a 400 m² locomotive shed stood waiting for a new purpose. In 2016, the city approved an ambitious and coherent proposal from two associates eager to develop a sustainable food production site in Charleroi. The former locomotive depot was set to become a workshop for the artisanal production of bread, pastries, and pasta, named Les Épis Sauvages.
RESERVOIR A sought to maximize the inherent qualities of the existing building, highlighting its impressive volumetry and raw concrete and masonry structure. However, integrating a complex production program into this large, open volume posed significant challenges. To preserve the original space, the architects implemented a 40 cm floor excavation to accommodate the fabrication area, ensuring compliance with strict food safety standards for bakery laboratories. This approach allowed for optimal hygiene control while maintaining an open view of the hangar space.
Without introducing any architectural gestures that might detract from the building’s industrial character, an annex was added to increase the functional capacity of the project. Positioned on the east façade, the extension houses service spaces, designed with an introverted layout to accommodate technical facilities. Most notably, the annex also contains the baking room, featuring a massive wood-fired oven, capable of producing in a single batch what a conventional bakery would bake in an entire day.